Everton's White Hart Lane woes are over. They had not won here on their previous 20 league visits, but it took just ten men for David Moyes's team to overcome the shot-shy Londoners this time. This was not pretty, especially considering this is traditionally a high-scoring fixture, but uncomplicated effectiveness is fast becoming an Everton trademark.

Tottenham were very much a bogey team for Everton last season. They defeated them at home and away without conceding. At half time, with Kevin Kilbane already sent off and Tottenham in control, it looked like a draw would be a result to cherish. That changed in a 13-minute spell in which Tottenham's defence failed to cut out Everton's first two genuine chances.

Moyes had earlier ditched the rigid 4-4-2 formation he had experimented with and reverted back to the 4-5-1 he was so keen to deploy last season. It seemed a shrewd move considering the uncharacteristic lack of bite Everton have shown so far this season in midfield. James Beattie was left on the bench as Leon Osman was positioned on the right flank, allowing Tim Cahill a roving role behind Andy Johnson before Kilbane's 31st-minute dismissal forced a reorganisation.

The early stages proved a hard slog in the centre of midfield, with possession changing hands frequently.Most of Everton's attempts to break through were from hopeful passes aimed in the general direction of Johnson, who was being well-watched by the assured Benoit Assou-Ekotto. There was little danger in the air too as Calum Davenport and Michael Dawson towered over Johnson and snuffed out everything launched at them.

Everton's defence looked more creaky, though. That feeling was reinforced when Dimitar Berbatov's flick-on was totally misread, as Lee Carsley failed in his attempts to clear, and Naysmith, facing his own goal, panicked and struck the ball against his own crossbar. The visitors' confidence seemed to have been sapped by that scare and slowly Tottenham began to take a grip on the game.

The situation got worse for the Merseyside team when Kilbane was sent off after a second careless tackle on Lee Young-Pyo. Spurs proceeded to dominate until half time, with Edgar Davids coming closest with a 25-yard effort.

Tottenham began the second half positively, with Berbatov and Robbie Keane linking up well to send Aaron Lennon free. The England winger surged forward, unchallenged, before shooting, but Naysmith blocked his shot. That proved a false indication of what was about to follow, though.

Mikel Arteta curled over a free-kick, showing unusual inaccuracy, prompting jeers from the Tottenham fans, but they were quickly silenced. Arteta's next free-kick was from the right and was met by Joleon Lescott, who headed the ball down on to Davenport's foot and the ball trickled in to put Everton ahead.

Suddenly, the meek Everton of the first half had disappeared and there was a swagger to their play despite the numerical disadvantage. It was little surprise when the lead was doubled. Phil Neville's pass from the right was angled in nicely for Johnson, who steered in beyond Paul Robinson from close range.

Jermain Defoe's arrival did little to change the momentum of the game, although he was unfortunate to see a well-struck effort deflected off-target after he had been teed up by Jermaine Jenas.